Magnetic Fields on Sudarsky Class II Gas Giants

In summary, the conversation discusses the differences in magnetic fields of different gas giants, specifically Uranus and Neptune compared to Jupiter and Saturn. The Ice giants have heavily tilted and off-center fields due to their shallow ammonia-water oceans, while a hypothetical Sudarsky Class II Gas Giant with larger oceans and iron core may have a stronger magnetic field. The conversation also touches on the potential influence of a gas giant's magnetic field on the auroras of its moons.
  • #1
MattRob
211
29
Hello again PF,
I've been doing some light reading on different magnetic fields of different gas giants, and what was really fascinating is how different Uranus and Neptune's fields were from Jupiter's and Saturn's, due to their different mass and composition?

What I read was that both of the Ice giants have magnetic fields heavily tilted from the norm, and Uranus is even off-center by 1/3 the planet's radius, apparently due to most of the magnetic field being generated from their relatively shallow Ammonia-water oceans rather than the deeper metallic hydrogen.

But, a Sudarsky Class II Gas Giant would orbit at a distance from the star similar to Earth, so that in the formation of the star system, this hypothetical gas giant would have a much greater abundance of oxygen, carbon, nitrogen, metals, and silicates, resulting in large oceans and a very large iron core.

Is there any models or predictions on what this planet's magnetic field would be like? It would have extremely large oceans, and a large iron core.
Can someone give me a reasonable guess as to if it's field would be significantly stronger than Jupiter's because of the Iron and large oceans?


My interest is sparked because of science fiction I'm writing about a moon of a gas giant. Auroras play a large role in the culture of life on one of the moons; and so I've been thinking of how, and if the gas giant's magnetic field would influence the location, behavior, and intensity of the moon's auroras, not to mention if or not the giant would generate a deadly Van Allen belt much like Jupiter's.
 
Astronomy news on Phys.org
  • #2
Jupiter has a lot of metallic hydrogen and an incredible spin rate - hard to compete as a magnetic field generator.
 

1. What are Sudarsky Class II Gas Giants?

Sudarsky Class II Gas Giants are a type of gas giant exoplanet that have high levels of water and cloud cover in their atmospheres, making them visually similar to Jupiter.

2. How do magnetic fields form on Sudarsky Class II Gas Giants?

The magnetic fields on Sudarsky Class II Gas Giants are formed through a process called dynamo action, where the rotation and convection of the planet's metallic hydrogen layer creates electric currents that generate a magnetic field.

3. What is the significance of magnetic fields on Sudarsky Class II Gas Giants?

Magnetic fields play a crucial role in the atmospheric dynamics of Sudarsky Class II Gas Giants. They can affect the planet's weather patterns, as well as the distribution and behavior of charged particles in the atmosphere.

4. How are magnetic fields on Sudarsky Class II Gas Giants studied?

Scientists study the magnetic fields of Sudarsky Class II Gas Giants through a combination of observations and computer simulations. They use telescopes to measure the planet's magnetic field strength and map its shape, and also use computer models to simulate different scenarios and understand the behavior of the magnetic field.

5. What are the potential implications of strong magnetic fields on Sudarsky Class II Gas Giants?

Strong magnetic fields on Sudarsky Class II Gas Giants can have a significant impact on the habitability of these planets. They can protect the planet from harmful radiation and also contribute to the formation and maintenance of their atmospheres. Strong magnetic fields may also affect the potential for the planet to have moons or support extraterrestrial life.

Similar threads

  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
24
Views
2K
Replies
16
Views
2K
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
11
Views
567
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
7
Views
2K
Back
Top